Chinese diving legends Cao Yuan and Xie Siyi are set to make a triumphant return at the Paris 2024 Olympics, following periods away from the sport due to injuries. The Chinese national diving team announced their squad on Tuesday, confirming the participation of both athletes who secured their qualifications at the national championship last year.
Cao Yuan, 29, is a seasoned athlete with three Olympic gold medals from consecutive appearances in 2012, 2016, and 2021. Meanwhile, Xie Siyi, 28, clinched gold in both the men’s 3-meter springboard and the men’s synchronized 3-meter springboard at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
Post-Tokyo, both divers faced significant challenges. Cao underwent surgery in February 2023 to address a habitual dislocation in his left shoulder, causing him to miss the first Olympic trial for the national team. With only seven months to prepare for the second trial, he trained alone while his teammates focused on the 2023 Asian Games.
“I couldn’t think too much at that time,” Cao told China Media Group (CMG). “I could only focus on recovery and how to improve my form. These mattered the most to me. I didn’t consider if I felt lonely or wonder why there were no teammates training with me.”
The dedication and resilience of both Cao and Xie highlight their commitment to the sport and their nation. Their return is highly anticipated by fans and competitors alike, as they aim to continue China’s strong legacy in diving at the upcoming Paris Olympics.
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China's ace divers Cao Yuan, Xie Siyi are back for Paris Olympics
cgtn.com
